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State Convention
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Blind Coloradans Cast First Secret Ballot in History of Colorado Elections For Immediate Release CONTACT: Littleton, CO, November 1, 2006: Scott LaBarre, president of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) of Colorado announced today that he and other blind members of the affiliate will take advantage of the early voting period to cast their first secret ballot on Thursday, November 2 when the doors open at 10:00 a.m. at the Webb Municipal Office Building located at 201 W. Colfax Avenue. Casting a secret ballot is a right most Americans take for granted. However, until recently this right has not been available for the blind. Now, for the first time ever, speech output technology voting machines will make it possible for blind and visually impaired Coloradans to cast a secret ballot privately and independently. This is the first general election since the implementation date for the accessibility provision of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). The ability to cast a secret ballot is not only a thrilling experience for blind voters, it protects our democracy by ensuring that nobody exercises undue influence over any voter or engages in outright fraud while pretending to help the blind vote. A secret vote is just as important for blind voters as it is for every other American. NFB president, Scott LaBarre, a local attorney, state that many blind voters across the state and the nation eagerly look forward to being able to choose this method of voting and will be casting a secret ballot for the first time in their lives. About the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado For more information about the NFB of Colorado call 303-778-1130 or go to www.nfbco.org
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